Creative Lifestyles | Netflix & Chill | What to Binge Watch in January

Netflix & Chill for real, because the other Netflix & Chill is just couch sex.

As it turns out we DO use the internet, so we are, in fact, familiar with that other usage of the term. But in order to avoid the deluge of helpful comments pointing us toward Urban Dictionary, we thought we’d clear some things up.

When we say Netflix and chill, we actually intend to watch copious amounts of streaming entertainment while relaxing in unrestrictive clothing and enjoying delicious foods. If sexy times ensue, that’s a bonus. This is the Sweatpants & Coffee way. #comfortrules

“Who has time for code phrases? If I want couch sex, it’s included in the invitation. Dear Husband, please meet me in the living room later for a Parenthood marathon followed by intimate relations. Bring popcorn and wine.” ~ Nanea

“Netflix and chill isn’t sly or a new trend, it’s smart multi-tasking. We have been doing it for years. We just call it sex. I mean who has time to get into the bed anymore? I just made that damn thing, and I don’t have the time or energy to wash the sheets again this week!” ~Kathy

“But really, how many of you haven’t ended up sexing during a good old Netflix binge? I call it Sunday wind down, obvi. ” ~Jessica

“Us married folk don’t need excuses and code words to get down. We take our Netflix and our chilling seriously in this house. Also, get off my lawn!” ~Emily

Now that we’ve cleared that up…

January is a boring month. You are totally over the holiday movies and shows, and your regular shows are all on extended holiday break. It can be a real slow month for TV. You know what January is a great for? Binge watching. I am currently elbow deep in three shows and getting ready to start a new one this week with my husband. #noshame

For Netflix & Chill this month, I have pulled together a stellar list of shows perfect for binge watching, as well as a fabulous snack trio and a cocktail.

Making A Murder | 1 Season

This show has been taking over my newsfeed the last few weeks. I am starting this week, so I don’t have any personal commentary, I can just tell you that my very diverse group of friends are all enjoying this one. Added bonus to this show? There are articles with theories, new information and accusations that you can read after you have watched the series.

Garfunkel & Oats | 1 Season

A female comedy duo is singing their way through dating in their twenties that will make you laugh out loud. A great light show to pair up with a massive binge to cool you off a bit.

Master Of None | 1 Season

I was surprised by this show. I loved Aziz Ansari on Parks and Rec, but I had never seen him in a lead role. He kills it. It’s a witty tale of Dev exposing what it’s like to be a thirtysomething out in the dating world. Real life situations, nothing over the top and it had my husband and I both laughing so hard we were crying.

Sons of Anarchy | 7 Seasons

For my hardcore binge watcher. Whether you watched it the first time around of it’s your fourth time rewatching, the story lines will blow you away.

The Fall | 2 Seasons

Need a Gillian Anderson fix before X-Files comes out? Catch her in this dark detective drama set in Belfast.

To have a fantastic binge session, you have to have snacks. Snacks that will last through the third time Netflix asks you if you are still watching Making a Murder.

Popcorn is great, but you know what I love?

Hummus.

I just tried hummus, maybe a year or two ago. I have been hooked ever since. You can get it in a variety of flavors, although where I am you can only get three flavors on the regular. I began to tweak my original pre-made hummus with different tasty ingredients making new flavors that don’t break the bank or take up too much time.

This month I want to share with you my Trio of Hummus.

Three delicious flavors you can serve together or alone. Perfect for Netflix & Chill or your next event!

What to do:
Put olive oil(1tbs) and basil in a processor and blend. Place hummus, lemon, olive oil and garlic in a processor and give a quick blend. Add salt to taste. Top with Feta and serve with sliced toast.

Creamy Buffalo

What you need:
1 container of original flavored hummus
2-3 TBS of wing sauce(heat level of your choice)
½ a lemon(juiced)
1 TBS Garlic
2 TBS Olive Oil
Kosher Salt to taste
Cheese of choice to crumble over top
Served with veggies

Blend hummus, wing sauce, lemon, olive oil, and garlic in processor. Add salt to taste. Serve with cheese over top and veggies.

Make a big batch of one or serve all three together, either way you won’t be disappointed.

Strawberries for garnish (or whatever fruit you have that you think would go well)

Combine mandarin oranges, Grand Marnier, and agave syrup and let sit in your fridge for a couple of hours. When it’s ready, dump the orange mixture into a pitcher with your wine and fruit. Chill some more or just serve over ice. Enjoy!

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As someone who also can no longer drink and who deals with some stuff, I can tell you that we never want people to feel bad for making drinking references or to feel like they can't enjoy themselves around us. Offer sympathy but keep treating her as you always have. Maybe check in more. But don't grieve any harder than she is, because she'll end up carrying that, too, and she'll worry about your feelings. You sound like a good friend. Just keep being one.

Reading your post this afternoon. Did you look into my heart? My friend from college, now 30+ years ago has pulmonary hypertension and is in failing health. She’s 54 with a limited life expectancy. Yesterday, I sent a picture for cute-as-can-be mason jar shot glasses that I found in a discount store to a former coworker. We’ve kept in touch via FB and messaging. She comments the glasses are cute but she doesn’t drink anymore. Then she txts she has Lupus. The world falls from beneath me. I wondered around the store for maybe another 20 minutes. Numb. Exchanging texts with this friend. And I felt so bad about that picture. And I felt guilty for my health. And i was ashamed of my feeble replies to her. So regular sad is sometimes at the foot of my bed. Or greets me at the door after work and I find my dog has once again pooped in the house and chewed up an ink pen or shredded a book. But today I’m big sad. Last night, crawled in the covers beside me and sits just out of sight. But here. I’m ashamed of myself. With all my bills paid, manageable expenses. And now two people who have shackles of worry and fear and other feelings I couldn’t even begin to imagine. If only crawling through broken glass could convey us to the other side

My girlfriend's and I get together rarely and there's actually 2 different groups but it's always fun! They're infrequent but always special! I am the type of person that rolls with the flow and if we can arrange it, great! But it's not expected or required and that makes our get-togethers special!